Liverpool 2023/24 season review and player ratings: Mac Allister 8, Salah 7, Nunez 5

We take take a look back at how the Reds fared in Jurgen Klopp's final season at Anfield

They say timing is everything, and the jury will remain out on whether Klopp derailed Liverpool’s title hopes when announcing his departure months before the end of the season. While his final year waShow more

It was another solid season for the Brazilian shot-stopper who – one error-strewn half against Arsenal apart – proved a much-needed last line of defence for a side that coughed up plenty of opportunitShow more

The Irishman rose to the challenge when called on during Alisson’s spell out with injury in the second half of the campaign, picking up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal along the way. The question now is Show more

He may not catch the eye like marauding full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but Gomez offered solidity and defensive know-how to the Liverpool backline. His resolute displays were rewardedShow more

The Dutchman embraced the role of captain and was close to his best form at times, particularly in the early months of the season. He kept a calm head as others around him lost theirs when Liverpool’sShow more

A series of injuries played a part in an underwhelming season for a player who is still to convince that he is the right man to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence in the short-term and take Show more

The popular defender’s final season as a Liverpool player was another sadly marred by injury. Liverpool fans will be left wondering what could have been if he had been able to stay fit more regularly.Show more

The Greek left-back’s patchy performances when required this season show he is unlikely to graduate beyond being a bit-part player. He could be surplus to requirements under Arne Slot. Getty Images

A mixed campaign for one of Liverpool’s lynchpins under Jurgen Klopp. Dropped below his high standards at times but ended the season strongly, weighing in with goals against West Ham and Tottenham in Show more

Moments of magic interspersed with careless defending made for a frustrating season for a hugely gifted footballer. The England player did not hit the heights of previous years, but did provide furtheShow more

The 21-year-old seized his opportunity in style when injuries to the likes of Matip and Konate offered him a path to the first team. While far from the finished article, he looks set to be a LiverpoolShow more

Another rising star who won deserved plaudits when stepping into action in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. Can Arne Slot find a place for both attack-minded right-backs in his team?Show more

The homegrown talent had hit top form when he suffered an ankle injury in February. He struggled to get back to his best when he returned to the fray in the final weeks of the season. EPA

The young midfielder forced his way into the starting line-up after a lengthy spell as an impact sub. Still only 21, he has barely scratched the surface of his potential. PA

Liverpool’s star performer was restricted by a holding role during the early weeks of the season but proved his worth when allowed to venture further forward. The silky-smooth midfielder is sure to beShow more

The Hungarian international faded badly after a bright start to his Liverpool career. Showed enough in his debut season, however, to give cause for optimism that he can still emerge as a key part of aShow more

The former Stuttgart captain quickly won over supporters with a series of industrious displays in the thick of the midfield action. Played an important role as a defensive midfielder in a team that prShow more

The versatile Dutchman showed promise after signing from Bayern Munich and can be expected to stake a claim for a more regular starting place next season. Getty Images

The injury-prone midfielder made only a solitary substitute appearance in what will be his final season at Anfield. What fans had hoped would be a game-changing signing unfortunately never lived up toShow more

The Egyptian maestro was once again Liverpool’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions but showed signs that his powers may be waning during a difficult end to the campaign. Does Saudi Arabia fiShow more

The ‘agent of chaos’ moniker wore thin as the misses piled up. The wholehearted Uruguayan still has untapped potential but must find his shooting boots quickly if he is to silence the doubters. PA

The Dutch forward improved as the season went on but must up his scoring rate if he is to be a long-term success. AFP

One of a number of Liverpool players struck by the injury bug. When fully fit, he is arguably the club’s best finisher. His absence was keenly felt in the business end of the season. AP

The Colombian winger showed remarkable fortitude by playing on after his father was kidnapped in his homeland. The former Porto star perhaps understandably failed to hit his stride, but showed enough Show more

Season synopsis

Premier League final position: Third

Europa League: Quarter-finals; beaten 3-1 on aggregate by Atalanta

FA Cup: Quarter-finals; beaten 4-3 away to Manchester United

League Cup: Winners; beat Chelsea 1-0 after extra-time

There was to be no fairy-tale ending to Jurgen Klopp's golden era as Liverpool failed to match the relentless pace set by eventual champions Manchester City and Arsenal in an absorbing Premier League title race.

The Reds were table-toppers in January when the German manager announced he would depart at the end of the season, with hopes high among the Anfield faithful that he could bow out in a blaze of glory and secure a record-equalling 20th league crown.

A third-placed finish, coupled with League Cup success against Chelsea at Wembley, fell short of that lofty aim but was a fair reflection on the abilities of a team boasting plenty of attacking flair often let down by defensive fragility.

A campaign brimming with promise began to unravel when Liverpool lost a 4-3 FA Cup thriller at a struggling Manchester United in March.

A comprehensive defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League sent alarm bells ringing, before a damaging draw at Old Trafford in the league and limp defeats to Crystal Palace and local rivals Everton put paid to those title dreams for good.

It wasn't the final chapter Klopp desired but he leaves the club in a far stronger position than he found it back in 2015, with Champions League football back on the horizon under new manager Arne Slot.

Best performance of season

Liverpool 4 Chelsea 1: Liverpool swatted aside old adversaries Chelsea under the Anfield lights in an imperious display that cemented their place at the Premier League summit heading into February.

A swashbuckling all-round performance featured a glut of great goals and glaring misses – with the enigmatic and erratic Darwin Nunez striking the woodwork four times.

A star showing from youngster Conor Bradley was the highlight of a terrific team effort as the Reds' title charge appeared to be shifting into high gear.

Coming just days after Klopp announced his departure plans, the victory signalled his side's intent to deliver a farewell to remember.

That it provided one of only three victories over the rest of the top six – with no wins against the top two – did highlight a flaw in the make-up of the side.

Worst performance of season

Everton 2 Liverpool 0: “You lost the league at Goodison Park”, came the mocking cry from the jubilant home crowd as the Blues romped to victory over a listless and lethargic Liverpool.

Liverpool fans may quibble over their title dreams being killed off by Crystal Palace earlier in April, but this was undoubtedly a final nail in the coffin.

The visitors – the dominant force in the Merseyside rivalry in the Premier League age – were second best throughout and never looked likely to threaten a comeback after falling behind midway through the first half.

The Reds were low on energy and out of ideas with the stakes so high as their bitter rivals revelled in a deserved win which proved to be a significant step towards their own top-flight safety.

Thriller of season

Manchester United 4 Liverpool 3: A barmy, brilliant and bewildering FA Cup classic where Liverpool's end-of-season stumble started to turn into a full-blown collapse.

Liverpool were unruffled when Scott McTominay fired the hosts into an early lead, with their first-half dominance rewarded by two goals shortly before the break to secure a 2-1 advantage.

The away side were profligate in pursuit of a third goal, however, and paid the price as Antony forced extra time late on.

A wildly entertaining extra time period saw Harvey Elliott restore Liverpool's lead only for their defence to prove as leaky as the Old Trafford roof as Manchester United conjured up an unlikely equaliser before Amad Diallo's last-gasp winner.

It was a crushing defeat from which Liverpool's season never fully recovered.

Player of season

Alexis Mac Allister: The Argentine World Cup winner brought a touch of class to a midfield engine room previously built on industry rather than creativity.

After a slow start following his summer move from Brighton, Mac Allister's influence steadily grew as an impressive range of passing and keen eye for goal made his £35 million fee appear even more of a bargain than first thought.

The talented 25-year-old looks certain to be a mainstay of an evolving Liverpool midfield.

Goal of season

Alexis Mac Allister v Fulham: In a game featuring four goal of the season candidates for the Reds, Mac Allister's audacious strike just about shaded the rest.

Liverpool were locked at 1-1 when the midfielder's stunning long-range effort offered fans a glimpse into his shooting prowess.

Mac Allister notched seven goals in all competitions in his debut season – including another cracker against Sheffield United – but this was his and Liverpool's best of the campaign.